Collective culture
These cultures normally only allow same-line of thinking and avoid critics, since they believe in shared or common ideas. There is no room for different ways of thinking thus hindering innovativeness. In such cultures, relationships with other members of the group play a central role in each person’s identity. I n a collective culture there is no room for saying “no” to an idea which then distorts the real culture as an engine for driving organisational success. Nevertheless a “no” should rather be taken as an opportunity to utilise the idea into something meaningful.
Competitive culture
Contrary to this, organisations that are exponential and wish to become blue ocean companies, should uphold a competitive culture. Tradition in South African society, if not in the entire world, has it that competition brings out the best in people. It helps them grow, accept defeat and learn humility, and as a result promotes creative innovativeness in organisations. Competitive culture being the organisation’s immune system it plays a vital role in promoting innovativeness. Winning cultures treat performance and innovativeness as an overt output and foster an environment that is conducive to generating the best possible results.
Spinoffs of competitive culture
Evidence shows that organisations with strong competitive cultures are capable of increasing revenue, profitability and shareholder value along with standing the test of time in terms of competition. Similarly, organisations with feeble cultures find it difficult to change and adapt to market demands. Competitive cultures therefore play an important role in creating an environment thatenables learning and innovative response to challenges, competitive threats, or new opportunities.
Patience is a virtue
No organisational culture is formed in a single day. In order to keep the organisational culture alive, organisations needs to ensure its culture is transmitted to members. An employee can find it difficult to implement new ideas, concepts and innovation in a culture which is inflexible. The culture becomes a limitation for the employee, where s/he has to work as per the set guidelines and predefined policies, because the competitive culture provides room for that. Competitive culture in the workplace goes a long way towards promoting healthy competition — leading to innovation.
Competitive employees try their level best to outperform their colleagues to be appreciated. It is a culture that actually motivates the employees to perform and leads to productivity, innovation and profitability. When there is a healthy culture, the systems, procedures, and overall functioning and mutual support of an organi-sation exist in harmony. This brings enhanced integrity, confidence and long-term success
Emmanuel Zvada
Emmanuel Zvada is a Human Capital Consultant for 3rd Eye Africa Group. He has consulted to over 600 organisations throughout Africa especially to startup companies. He is considered one of SA’s leading HR consultant.